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Intl war crimes prosecutor reopens Iraq inquiry

The Associated Press

Updated:
05/13/2014 11:28:24 AM EDT

AMSTERDAM (AP) — The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court says she has reopened a preliminary investigation into Iraq to examine allegations that British soldiers may have committed war crimes by abusing prisoners from 2003 to 2008.

In a statement, prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said she would review "new information" she received in January alleging that British officials bear responsibility for wrongdoing. The earlier investigation was closed in 2006.

Iraq is not a member of the court but Britain is.

Bensouda is obligated to examine allegations of war crimes, crimes against humanity and grave humanitarian abuses that are directed to her office. She said she would consider questions of admissibility of evidence and jurisdiction before deciding whether to open a formal investigation.